The town of Wallace is one of the largest silver producers in the world and one of the richest mining towns still in existence today. It also happens to be the last town listed entirely on the country’s National Register of Historic Places. While its roots are in mining, Wallace has become a more attractive town to visitors over the year, offering more of a diverse assortment of recreation and things to do in town and in the surrounding area, such as the Route of The Hiawatha Trail and the City Limits Pub.
Route of The Hiawatha Trail
The Route of The Hiawatha Trail is considered by many to be “the crown jewel of rail-to-trail adventures.” This 15-mile trail is designed for hiking or mountain biking and features seven sky-high trestles and ten train tunnels. The ride along the Route of The Hiawatha begins with a journey down the St.
Paul Pass Tunnel, or also called the Taft Tunnel, which is a little over 1.5 miles long. One of the trail highlights is the Bitterroot Mountains crest near the Lookout Pass Ski Area. The Route of The Hiawatha Trail is a family-friendly trail suitable for people of all ages.
Wallace, ID, Phone: 208-744-1234, Map
Oasis Bordello Museum
The Oasis Bordello Museum of historic Wallace, Idaho is housed inside of a former bordello that was active all the way until 1988. The occupants at the time hastily left the town, leaving almost everything behind. In 1993, a local businessman purchased the building from the bordello’s out-of-business madam and kept the place just as it was left, operating it now as a unique museum. Visitors can take a guided tour for all ages of the Oasis Bordello Museum explaining the occupants’ rushed departure from information gathered by several clients, former maids, and the girls who worked there themselves.
605 Cedar St, Wallace, ID 83873, Phone: 208-753-0801, Map
Northern Pacific Depot
Built back in the year 1901, the Northern Pacific Depot was constructed with unique bricks sourced from the Olympian Hotel. Now operating as the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, visitors can come explore the chateau-style depot on a seasonal basis from the month of April through the month of October. Listed in 1976 on the National Register of Historic Places, the Northern Pacific Depot has long been a focal point in town for the historical heritage and grand architecture of Wallace. The exhibits highlight the rich railroading history of the depot and the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.
219 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873, Phone: 208-752-0111, Map
Center of the Universe
The small town of Wallace (founded in 1884) in Idaho is unique, in that it has been declared the Center of the Universe (by the Mayor). Since no one has disproved the theory (as yet) the legend continues and a manhole cover has been nominated as the exact spot. While this is all a bit of fun, Wallace has a more serious side.
For example, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic places and its location really does put visitors in a position to explore near and far. There are several outdoor activities including scenic drives, hiking, biking and zip-lining, and visiting all the historic attractions could keep you busy for days. Map
City Limits Pub
The City Limits Pub in the town of Wallace, Idaho is the home of the North Idaho Mountain Brew company, as well as a unique eatery serving a full menu of pub fare. The menu includes a variety of family-friendly fresh choices, along with both vegetarian and gluten-free options. All dishes served at the City Limits Brew Pub are made-to-order and made from scratch, including the desserts and breads, which are baked on premise. A nice stop along Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, the pub also offers brewery tours, delicious brews, wireless internet, and a full bar.
108 Nine Mile Rd, Wallace, ID 83873, Phone: 208-556-1885, Map
1313 Club Historic Saloon & Grill
The a class="map1" href="https://www.facebook.com/1313Club" target="_blank">1313 Club Historic Saloon & Grillis a popular historic restaurant and bar in historic Wallace that serves some of the area’s best and most unique food. There are several stories as to how the restaurant got its name of “1313 Club.” The most popular of the theories, however, is that the building’s original bar area was thirteen feet wide by thirteen feet high. 1313 Club Historic Saloon & Grill is located within the historic Heller Building.
1313 Club Historic Saloon & Grill, 608 Bank St, Wallace, ID 83873, Phone: 208-752-9391
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
The Pulaski Tunnel Trail is a 4 mile out-and-back interpretive hiking trail located close to the town of Wallace. The trail is named for a Forestry Service employee, Ed Pulaski, who invented the Pulaski Tool which is still widely used in creating fire breaks. As you make your way along the picturesque trail you will find many interpretive panels which tell the story of the trail and the horrendous 1910 wild fires which forever altered the landscape of this part of Idaho. The first 725 feet of the trail is paved and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Hikers will find toilets at the trailhead.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail, NF-456, Wallace, ID 83873, 208 783 2100
Wallace Brewing Company
Wallace has a beer brewing history which goes back more than 100 years to when Sunset Brewing provided beer in place of (polluted) water to thirsty fire fighters in 1910. The Wallace Brewing Company was established in 2007 to continue the heritage of craft brewing in the city. The brewery is located in the historic Coeur d’Alene building in downtown where their Orehouse Tap Room invites you to stop by and enjoy a cold one. The brewery started off by producing just one beer – Dirty Blonde Pale Ale. Over the years several other styles have been added to the list including a lager, shandy, Irish red ale, black lager and a few IPA’s and Strong Ales.
Wallace Brewing Company, 610 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873, 208 556 5600, Map
